Margery Dacre, will you come and spend a long day with us to-morrow ?" But Margery Dacre had at that moment no wish to spend such a day.

I said, "No, thank you, Miss Leonard; I shall be otherwise engaged both to-day and to-morrow." And then, feeling that I had spoken very coldly, and seeing that she looked troubled, I added, forcing a smile, "The winter will be long enough for our civilities." "But not for our friendship, I trust," she replied quickly, seizing my hands, while her face cleared, and sincerity seemed to beam out of it, like the sun out of a May sky.

I felt her fascination; but it sickened me somehow, and I dropped her hands, and thought of saying good-morning to the group, and returning to the farm alone, so that John might not feel himself hindered from going to breakfast as well as to dine with these new old friends of his who were so eager for his company.

But before I had time to act upon the thought Mr.Hill handed Rachel into the carriage, followed her himself, and the carriage rolled away.

John and I were left standing there together; I stupid, like one awakened from a dream, staring at the wheel-marks on the snow and at other signs which these people, in passing, had left behind them.
I turned and walked on silently towards the farm, and John walked beside me.